Following a recommendation from Van Zandt County Fire Marshal James Lehman, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court tabled the issue of a potential burn ban during a brief meeting Oct. 4.

Lehman reported to the commissioners’ court that there are 57 counties across the state currently under a burn ban including Henderson and Kaufman counties.

Lehman remarked that rain showers that came through the county Oct. 3 had changed his mind about requesting a burn ban.

“We have received a number of calls from citizens asking about a possible burn ban,” said Lehman. “We are close to needing a burn ban but I recommend we table this and take another look at the situation in two weeks when we meet again. It is a concern but right now, knock on wood, we are not seeing a whole lot of grass fire calls and fire calls overall at the current time.” Commissioners agreed to bring the subject back on the agenda for the Oct. 18 meeting.

In other business, the commissioners accepted a donation of one load of oil sand from D&M Maintenance to the Pct. 3 road and bridge fund.

VZC Pct. 3 Commissioner Keith Pearson said that the approximate value of the donation totaled approximately $1,500.

A series of fiscal year 2017 budget amendments were approved following a presentation by VZC Auditor Freddy Thomas.

Commissioners approved the minutes of the Sept. 26 meeting and approved the county bills for payment as submitted.

The next meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 in the VZC Courthouse.